According to a report by Metro (UK) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, a UK court has heard disturbing details of how a 49-year-old man was allegedly lured to a beach in Kent and killed by three teenagers after attempting to meet someone he believed was a 16-year-old girl.
The defendants — a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 16 — are facing trial at Woolwich Crown Court over the death of Alexander Cashford, who died in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10 last year.
Prosecutors told the court that Mr Cashford met the teenagers at an amusement arcade on the seafront, where he gave the girl his phone number on a business card. One of the boys reportedly saved the number on his phone under a derogatory name, after which messages were exchanged over two days. Mr Cashford allegedly believed he was chatting with a girl named “Sienna.”
The court heard that the first message sent to Mr Cashford stated that the girl was 16 years old. He reportedly replied with compliments, asked personal questions, and falsely claimed to be younger than his real age. He also suggested meeting up, mentioned alcohol, and expressed romantic interest. The person posing as “Sienna” then proposed a meeting and asked him to bring alcohol.
On the evening of August 10, Mr Cashford travelled to the seafront to meet the teenage girl. Jurors were told that shortly afterwards, the two boys followed the pair along the promenade. During the encounter, one of the boys allegedly struck Mr Cashford on the back of the head with a bottle.
Witnesses later described seeing Mr Cashford lying motionless while stones were thrown at his head and body. A post-mortem examination revealed severe injuries, including head and facial wounds, extensive bruising, and broken ribs that punctured a lung.
Video evidence shown in court allegedly captures parts of the attack, with the girl heard shouting abuse while filming. Prosecutors also said footage of the assault was later shared with others, accompanied by mocking messages.
The prosecution argued that the incident was not spontaneous but carefully planned, describing it as a coordinated attack in which all three teenagers played active roles. It was further alleged that Mr Cashford was pursued for a considerable distance before the fatal injuries were inflicted.
All three teenagers have denied the charge of murder. The trial is continuing.
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